Metamorphoses · Chapter
Book XII explained
The chapter recounts the death of Achilles by Paris's arrow guided by Apollo, the dispute over his armor between Ulysses and Ajax, the story of Caenis transformed into the man Caeneus, the violent battle between the Lapiths and Centaurs at
What happens
The chapter recounts the death of Achilles by Paris's arrow guided by Apollo, the dispute over his armor between Ulysses and Ajax, the story of Caenis transformed into the man Caeneus, the violent battle between the Lapiths and Centaurs at Pirithous's wedding, the Greek fleet's delay at Aulis due to contrary winds, the sacrifice of Iphigenia and her rescue by Diana, and the House of Fame spreading news of the Trojan War.
Themes in this chapter
Transformation and Metamorphosis
Caenis is transformed into the man Caeneus by Neptune; the serpent at Aulis turns to stone; Iphigenia is replaced by a hind.
Violence and Revenge
The brutal death of Achilles, the chaotic brawl at the wedding, and the war's vengeance for Helen's abduction.
Fate and Prophecy
Calchas interprets the omen of the snake and sparrows, foretelling nine years of war and Troy's fall in the tenth.
Characters to notice
- Achilles
Slain by Paris with Apollo's aid; his armor becomes a prize contested by Ulysses and Ajax.
- Apollo
Guides Paris's arrow to kill Achilles and reveals himself as the god directing the shot.
- Ajax
Rival to Ulysses for Achilles's armor; described as vast bulk and dull Ajax.
- Ulysses
Contends with Ajax for Achilles's armor; Laertes' son.
- Caeneus
Originally the maiden Caenis, transformed into a man by Neptune; participates in the Lapith-Centaur battle.
- Neptune
Rapes Caenis and grants her wish to become a man and be invulnerable to steel.
- Theseus
Defends Pirithous's bride from the centaur Eurytus and leads the Lapith counterattack.
- Hector
Mourns at the cenotaph of the metamorphosed son; slays Protesilaus in battle.
Key passages
“Thus fell the foremost of the Grecian name, And he, the base adulterer, boasts the fame; A spectacle to glad the Trojan train, And please old Priam, after Hector slain.”
Achilles, the greatest Greek hero, is killed by Paris, the adulterer who started the war, bringing joy to the Trojans and Priam after Hector's death.
Highlights the irony of Achilles's fall at the hands of a lesser warrior.
“Give me no more to suffer such a shame, But change the woman for a better name; One gift for all:’ she said; and while she spoke, A stern, majestic, manly tone she took: A man she was.”
Caenis, after being raped by Neptune, demands to be turned into a man to avoid future violation, and is instantly transformed into Caeneus.
Illustrates the theme of metamorphosis as a response to trauma and a desire for agency.
“The cave resounds with female shrieks; we rise, Mad with revenge, to make a swift reprise: And Theseus first: ‘What frenzy has possess’d, Oh Eurytus,’ he cried, ‘thy brutal breast, To wrong Pirithous, and not him alone, But while I live, two friends conjoin’d in one?’”
At the wedding, centaurs seize the women; Theseus rebukes Eurytus and leads the Lapiths in a violent rescue.
Shows the eruption of chaos and the defense of honor and friendship.
“A thousand ships were mann’d to sail the sea; Nor had their just resentments found delay, Had not the winds and waves opposed their way.”
The Greek fleet of a thousand ships was ready to sail for Troy, but was held back by adverse winds and calm seas.
Sets the stage for the sacrifice of Iphigenia to appease Diana.
“The goddess gives the alarm, and soon is known The Grecian fleet descending on the town. Fix’d on defence, the Trojans are not slow To guard their shore from an expected foe.”
Fame spreads the news of the Greek fleet's approach, and the Trojans quickly prepare to defend their shores.
Introduces the House of Fame as a mechanism for spreading news and inciting action.
